Wetsuit wisdom?

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:38:21 GMT

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RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Thu, 10 May 2007 16:03:28 GMT

Hi Prune - I will be at the June 30 event in Lake Andrea. It is my first open water and I'm hoping to adopt this as a new hobby. I did get some encouagement this morning from a tri-athlete at the pool that by early July Lake Andrea is generally pretty warm (75-80 degrees) so end of June we should be okay without a wet suit or fastskin. ~ Mal

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Tue, 08 May 2007 16:08:31 GMT

I am a cheapy just glue together a neoprene tube and pull it on.I’m even cheaper than George. I just add a layer of subcutaneous fat and some fur.

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Tue, 08 May 2007 16:03:57 GMT

Well I bought the new FS Pro or whatever Speedo calls the latest fastskin and don't like it at all. Chafing under the arms in the pool at around 3 miles and distinctly colder both in and especially out of the water. It also seems to trap sweat somewhat, but your skin remains cold, which is an uncomfortable sensation. Anyone want to buy a bodysuit?

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Muppet — Wed, 02 May 2007 11:38:04 GMT

I've seen people use fastskins in open water, but never asked them about it. My initial reaction is "why would you ruin it by swimming in this crappy water?" But certainly if the suits were purchased explicitly for open water races, their use makes more sense. I can't imagine they were created for use in salt-water. I can see where the benefit might come with speed, but for the mens side, I have heard a lot of talk of overheating during distance events in the pool in the full body fastskin-type suits. I would think most open water events, being 1mi+ would have the same issue. As for the hair issues, wearing a wetsuit should alleviate both of those problems. If not allowed, shave. Tri's usually keep themselves pretty well clipped March to October around here - no reason not to do regular trims as swimmers! I've gone speedo only in 75 degree lakes and a pair of 1mile bay swims, and donned a wesuit for the last two years' 4.4 mi swims. I don't think it hurt me not to have the fastskin on.

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:18:34 GMT

Hey Malfox - Maybe I'll see you at Pleasant Prarie in June. From what I've learned, it doesn't seem that the Fastskins create drag over longer distances, they don't keep you warm to any significant degree (no pun intended), and they should help streamline the hairy among us. You can also get new and used ones on ebay at good discounts. Call Kiefer.com for sizing. Good luck

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

MikeGarr — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:07:34 GMT

I think the open water swimmers would definitely benefit from a fastskin. It doesn't matter if it's open water, it's all water. If they benefit hairy guys in the pool, the same applies to the open. I may try it this summer. I used my first one this year in the pool and I beat alot of my seed times, but especially in the longer distance events. The older guys say it prevents the excess fat motion drag as well as the hair issue.

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:41:55 GMT

I'd love to hear about the fast skins too. While I'm a vetran swimmer - my last personal competition was 20 years ago in college. I was persuaded to do my first open water (3-miles) June 30 - in Pleasant Prarie WI. Thus I'm looking for any and all tips - there are some great ones here. Thanks.

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:43:03 GMT

Can anyone give me some info on bodysuits, esp. the higher end ones like Fastskin? 1. do they create drag over long distances in open water? 2. do they keep you warm at all? 3. are they more useful for hairy dudes? Thanks

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 06:40:19 GMT

Hi Diana, it's great hearing from you! I sent you a message - yes, I'm interested in your friend's wetsuit voucher if she hasn't sold it yet. Actually I think I might have a better chance of finishing the Potomac swim than the Bay Swim, because although it's longer, there are no time limits (I checked previous years results, and a few finishers took over 7 hours), and although I'm slooow, I can go on and on... and having a kayaker to do the navigating and stop for feeding should make things easier too (I'm going to have to practice drinking water and eating while treading water...) Unfortunately I'm going to be in Kentucky the week of the Swim for Life, or else I'd do that one, too. I probably will go with a full coverage wetsuit. There's a triathlon shop in VA Beach that carries wetsuits, so I'll try renting one with long sleeves and seeing if it's too constricting on my shoulder (my right shoulder's been hurting/ popping; can't tell if it's because of lousy technique or an old injury). But I doubt if I could finish without one. Last Sept. at Lake Montclair I was fine while in the water, but as soon as I got out, I was verrry cold. I'm thinking of joining a group to train with. There's a Masters group at the Y we belong to, but they are all sprinters, and the time doesn't fit my schedule. But there's another group that has triathletes and several Bay Swim finishers; sometimes they do a timed mile as part of their workouts, which are three days a week. A friend from the track club who finished the Bay Swim four times (once third place in age group) told me about it - I'm thinking of joining even though it's a 30 minute drive each way. Maybe that would be better than training on my own. How do you train for your long swims? Good luck with the Bay Swim! Sandra

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Julie Roddin — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:35:12 GMT

I bought mine at Bonzai and was really pleased. They let me buy it and try it out during a swim, then I returned it and got one without sleeves. They were really nice. I think they just put the one I returned into their rental section, no problem. They were really cool about it. Bonzai will be having their annual Road Show on March 17th. I've bought several from them and they have a great selection, especially at the Road Show. I pretty much tried on every single wetsuit they had in my size. Mark has been in the business for years and knows so much about them that he'll be sure to get you in one that meets your needs. Here's info about the Road Show... tribonzai.com/page.cfm

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

DianaC — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:09:50 GMT

Hi Sharkbait! Long time, no chat. I hope you are doing well. Congrats on deciding to do the Potomac River swim. Sorry you didn't get into the Bay Swim, but it was tough. I actually paid extra last year to avoid the lottery, so I am already in and training for it. I don't think I will do that next year. If I don't get in the lottery, I will probably do the Potomac swim next year. Swimmy and I are planning to do the Swim for Life - let me know if you are going and we can meet up there. As for a wetsuit, you might want to go with full coverage, since you tend to get cold easily. I don't get cold as easily, and I really don't like wearing my wetsuit at all because I feel so constricted. For you, though, it will probably be a must-have item. Actually, a fellow swimmer won a wetsuit from Bonzai at the Reston Swim last year, and she is trying to sell the voucher (already has a wetsuit). Let me know if you are interested, and I can try to put you in touch with her. I don't think she has sold it yet, but I can confirm if you want. I bought mine at Bonzai and was really pleased. They let me buy it and try it out during a swim, then I returned it and got one without sleeves. They were really nice. I think they just put the one I returned into their rental section, no problem. They were really cool about it. Send me an email if you still have it. Otherwise, send me a private message and I will get back to you. Take care! Diana

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 07:00:12 GMT

What's the best wetsuit to buy if you're interested in preventing hypothermia? Signed up for my first long swim (7.5 miles), the water will probably be about 60 degrees, and I have fairly low body fat (5'3, 110 pounds). I don't care about going faster with a wetsuit; with or without one I will probably be dead last (and if so, I will be delighted, as long as I finish), but don't want to DNF because of hypothermia. Thanks!

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:26:41 GMT

I am a cheapy just glue together a neoprene tube and pull it on.

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:15:40 GMT

I'm a non wetsuit swimmer but looked at these briefly for neutral bouyancy training in very cold water - I decided to stay in the pool 'til it warmed up instead. But for those with spare cash custom made suits would sure be a luxury. www.snuggwetsuits.co.uk/prframe.htm The suits are made in Cornwall, UK. Only catch - no trying on but given they are made to measure can't see that would be so bad.

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 08:46:34 GMT

The best thing to do is go into a store that carries wetsuits and try them on. Make sure that there is enough flexibility in the shoulders for your arms to achieve the full range of motion. Size will depend on your height and weight. Trying wetsuits on is tedious, but worth it to make sure you get the perfect one. -Carrie __________________ SwimOutlet.com

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 06:14:59 GMT

Originally posted by continuousharmony I see all this advice for wetsuits, but I'd like to know what size to get for the best movement. At least to use while I'm training. Thank you The best size is

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:12:52 GMT

I see all this advice for wetsuits, but I'd like to know what size to get for the best movement. At least to use while I'm training. Thank you

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Swimmy — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 08:14:35 GMT

I have had the best week ever! Last week I met Diana C and the Montclair Swim (personal best...38:45 1 mile.... no wetsuit). Then today I got to meet my guru mentor Leonard at the September Splash in Wildwood Crest NJ(another personal best...33:24! 1 mile... no wetsuit) How wonderful it is to meet my internet buddies! Maybe I will get the chance to meet more of you someday! Swimmy :)

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

FindingMyInnerFish — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 03:56:15 GMT

Originally posted by Swimmy Finding My Inner Fish, I live in MD now, but my family lives outside of Philly in NJ. I am up there all the time. We will definitely have to meet someday. I can never find a place to swim up there, because I don't have a Y membership. Most of the places seem to be YMCAs there. If anyone knows of a place to swim, let me know. Swimmy :) Hi Swimmy! Here's a site that give some info on workouts that don't require membership: www.bee.net/.../ValleyForgeMasters.htm www.bee.net/.../VFMWorkoutSchedule.htm You pay $6 if you're not a member, $4 if you are. I've never been to any of their workouts...usu. running Sun. a.m. and my distance so far might not be enough to stay with them. But sometime I'm thinking I'll give one of their workouts a try--probably when they're at Villanova--easier for me to get there... also after the Philly Marathon... training for that and many of my long runs are going to be on Sun. a.m.

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Swimmy — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 02:59:26 GMT

Finding My Inner Fish, I live in MD now, but my family lives outside of Philly in NJ. I am up there all the time. We will definitely have to meet someday. I can never find a place to swim up there, because I don't have a Y membership. Most of the places seem to be YMCAs there. If anyone knows of a place to swim, let me know. Swimmy :)

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

FindingMyInnerFish — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 02:33:32 GMT

Originally posted by Swimmy Sorry you can't make the race. I am excited to meet DianaC at the Montclair race and Leonard at the September Splash. It will be fun to actually meet the real person behind all the online conversations! FindingMyInnerFish-Do you live up in NJ? Swimmy:) Actually, southeastern PA. I've been meaning to check on the DV Masters site to see if there are events coming up (pool or open water) that aren't too far from where I live. Not so many close by but maybe even within a reasonable distance, it would be doable. Or perhaps sometime the Philly/Jersey/Del./Md. posters on this forum will have a chance to meet in a non-swimming setting (with liquids at hand, of course!) ;) Probably less likely than in the water, but still....

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Former Member — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 14:03:11 GMT

Originally posted by Bobber For triathlons in the US, most races follow the USA Triathlon rules. No wetsuits at all above 84F, not eligible for awards if you wear one between 79F and 84F, and no restrictions 78F or lower. Some triathlons don't allow them for the pro/elite wave if the water temp is above 72F. That is not a USAT rule, though. wouldn't you steam in a wetsuit if the water were above 84 degrees?

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

Swimmy — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 07:59:36 GMT

Sorry you can't make the race. I am excited to meet DianaC at the Montclair race and Leonard at the September Splash. It will be fun to actually meet the real person behind all the online conversations! FindingMyInnerFish-Do you live up in NJ? Swimmy:)

RE: Wetsuit wisdom?

FindingMyInnerFish — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 07:46:02 GMT

Originally posted by Leonard Jansen Allyson - Possibly the September Splash race, but not the other. I won't know for a week or so due to other obligations that are looming and that I may not be able to weasel out of. I think I am going to also do the Pageant Swim next Saturday, as well. You? -LBJ Sooo looks like I'll miss meeting you guys! I did the Sept. splash a few years ago--total newbie, knew NOTHING about OW swimming, didn't even belong to a masters' group, but a running injury was making me antsy for some sort of a race, and I figured since I could swim a mile in the pool.... I finished 2nd to last (okay, so reverse the order and I get to be second, lol!) in that race, and I'd thought of coming back this year to see how I'd do, now that I have a little masters and open water swimming experience (still slow, I should note, but my swimming looks prettier). ;) However, I have a half marathon the next day, and a crazy weekend altogether. But it would be great to get to an open water swim at some point where I could meet some of you!